Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway

Introduction

Waterfowl numbers have been greatly reduced since early settlement of North
America. Drainage of marshlands for farmland, cities and industrial sites has
been the major detrimental factor toward reduction of nesting habitat. State,
federal, and provincial wildlife agencies and private conservation organizations
have been attempting to offset habitat losses in the United States, Canada and
Mexico by purchase and development of wetlands for production areas. However,
thousands of acres are still being lost annually.

The Flyway System was initiated in 1948 to allow differing regulations relating
to individual waterfowl populations migrating through each Flyway. This was
the genesis of species management. Further efforts toward species management
came into being when bag limits were reduced or seasons closed on specific
species that were in danger. Flock management within Flyways was put into
effect to allow more refinement in regulations for specific groups of birds.

The most recent innovation is the point-system regulation for duck hunting.
Point values are assigned each duck species on the basis of availability.
Those in good supply are given low point values, while those in lesser supply
have higher point values. The point-system regulation also allows in-hand
identification of the duck taken which helps the hunter avoid violation.

Every effort is being made to allow the most generous seasons possible with
the greatest amount of freedom for the hunter. Thus, it remains up to the
sportsman to take his share of the responsibility and train himself in identification
of waterfowl, not only in hand, but also in flight.

This guide demonstrates a sincere effort on the part of the Central Flyway
Waterfowl Council to aid the sportsman in waterfowl identification. Paintings
of ducks in various stages of plumage, photos of wings, and descriptions of
distinguishing characteristics have been included as an aid to identification
of birds in hand and in flight.

The observer should become familiar with seasonal variations in coloration
patterns of plumage. Sexes of some species are nearly identical year-round,
but most species exhibit marked differences between sexes with the male being
more brightly colored. However, the brighter plumage of the male is present
only from fall through the spring season. In summer, the male molts and resembles
the hen very closely. Its coloration gradually changes from hen-like to a
blotchy, partial coloration, and finally full winter plumage. Young-of-the-year
males also evolve through these stages.

Thus, about the first of October when hunting seasons are likely to begin
in the Central Flyway, many males may resemble females or are in various stages
of molt toward full winter coloration. However, there are characteristics
which will help identification. For example, the male's bill is usually quite
different from the female's. The females bill in most species will have dark
spots or blotches. Wings are also different between sexes for most species.
It should also be noted that wings retain similar characteristics throughout
the year while the body plumage is changing. Foot coloration can also be useful
in identifying species. These features as well as other distinguishing characteristics,
including some to watch for in flight, are made note of in the text or otherwise
pointed out in this booklet.

As with most endeavors, there is no substitute for experience. Efforts toward
mastery of identification should take place in the field. The design of this
guide was specifically selected to encourage its use while hunting. Careful
study and use of this guide coupled with experience gained while observing
waterfowl in the field will allow identification to become automatic.